Wood handled axes require minimal maintenance routines to keep them functioning, and operating at their peak performance capabilities. These routines include proper storage practices, and periodic oiling of the head and handle, as well as and treating the leather sheaths.
We recommend this process at least once every calendar year, with best practice being done twice per year. If you find yourself out in very wet conditions very often, oiling the axe should happen more frequently.
Wood handles are comfortable, strong, flexible, robust, and ecologically sound choices for tool handles. However, wood tool should not be stored in either very warm and dry environments, or very wet environments. When storing your axe, keep it away from heating ducts, or hot, dry areas of your home. This may over time, cause the wood to dry excessively, and cause the wood to shrink - resulting in a loose head.
Wood handles' performance can also be impacted negatively by prolonged exposure to water. If left wet for long periods, an un-oiled, or poorly oiled wood handle’s cells will absorb moisture and swell to the point that it over-saturates the wood’s cells, and causes them to rupture. Once the wood dries again, the handle will shrink due to the compromised cells - again resulting in a loose head. While soaking wood handles in water will initially cause them to swell (which can secure a loose head while out in the field), once dry, the soaked handle will need to be replaced.
Proper oiling regimens will protect against overly dry or wet environments while using your axe in the field.
CAUTION: Disposing of oily rags or paper towel: certain wood oils (such as linseed oil) dries through a process of oxidation that produces heat: if not treated properly, this can produce fires. While hemp oil is less volatile, caution should still be applied. Excess oil used can be strained, and poured back into it’s container. Rags and cloths should be stored in water in air tight containers. Oily paper towels can be burned off, or composted.
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Tim Foley
Tim grew up spending summers and much of his spare time in the backwoods of Northern Ontario and has been canoeing, camping and hiking ever since. When not running the Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co., you can find him riding his bike, hiking the Bruce Trail, canoeing, or clearing trails, cutting firewood and testing gear out in the bush.
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